About the work
Opera in three acts (Op. 35) by Kurt Atterberg, libretto by Oscar Ritter and Ignaz Michael Welleminsky, premiered on 27 January 1934 at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm under Nils Grevillius.
Plot
In a village on the Rhine during the Peasants' War of 1525, the young executioner Martin falls in love with Princess Rosamund, condemned to death by rebelling peasants, and helps her escape. When both are captured by ducal troops, Rosamund publicly acknowledges him as her rescuer; the duke elevates Martin, despite his lowly trade, to the rank of count.
Cultural significance
"Fanal" became Atterberg's most successful opera; tenor Jussi Björling alone sang the role of Martin 22 times in subsequent seasons. The work received around 30 performances up to the 1950s and is regarded as his most highly regarded stage work.